Intro:

The family of Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva talk about their split loyalties ahead of the World Cup. His mother says her son will sing both the Croatian and Brazilian anthems when the two sides meet in the opening match.

Script:

The family of Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva have a tough choice to make. In the opening game of the World Cup his side face the country of his family Brazil...

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese): Joelma da Silva, mother of Eduardo:

"I'm rooting for Eduardo da Silva. I understand that it is very important for him. But I'm also rooting for Brazil. Eduardo versus Brazil."

And rarely, if ever, has this happened....

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese): Joelma da Silva, mother of Eduardo:

"He has said he will sing two anthems. He is Croatian for work. In his heart he is Brazilian."

Eduardo joined Dinamo Zagreb´s youth team in 1999 after being spotted playing for his local 'favela' side in Rio. And he's come a long way since...

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese): Bruno da Silva, brother of Eduardo (on how Eduardo will approach the World Cup):

"Step by step. It is the pinnacle (of one's career) to play for the national team in your country . Unfortunately this pinnacle will not be for Brazil but for another country, which does not take away the merits of it."

On Thursday, the next page of this remarkable family's story will be told.